Yup, it’s true! Trees employ both photosynthesis AND respiration, although some people associate respiration only with animals. Photosynthesis is a chemical process that stores energy (as glucose) and captures carbon & oxygen for tissue construction. Respiration releases stored metabolic energy to fuel life processes. Oxygen production is not the purpose of photosynthesis of green plants. Most of the planet’s “fresh” oxygen is produced by the oceans, not by trees.